Stay Cool This Summer!

Summer 2017 is turning out to be one of the hottest on record for Oregonians. At MetroEast we love our volunteers, community partners and clients and want you to stay healthy. So stay hydrated and keep cool! This is especially important for babies, children, the elderly and infirm. And don't forget about your pets!

If you are looking for someplace to cool off in the greater Portland area, read on:

This information provided courtesy of Portland Parks & Recreation:

Stay cool for FREE at several Portland Parks & Recreation community centers:

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is providing additional citywide opportunities to stay cool during the heat wave. Use the following list to find fun activities and cool places to refresh yourself this week.

FREE COMMUNITY CENTER ACTIVITIES

The public is welcome to visit the following air conditioned PP&R community centers to refresh in the lobby areas as capacity allows at any time. Please note that PP&R summer camps will be given priority for community center space. Additionally, these specific community centers below are offering even more opportunities to stay cool.

WED-FRI 6pm-10pm Public welcome to come in to stay cool; no activities provided

SAFETY TIPS AND OTHER OPTIONS TO STAY COOL

PP&R offers you the following tips for a safe summer, PP&R pool and splash pad/fountain information, and Poet’s Beachhours and info below.

· Stay hydrated. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day – at least 8 oz. each, and drink more if you are working, playing or exercising.

· Many surfaces found in parks or elsewhere in the city may be hot. These include asphalt, concrete, plastic, metal where the sun is shining, may be hot. Parents should use care when supervising children on play structures, park benches, paths, and elsewhere

· Sleep well. Rest is important to the daily recovery of muscles and your body and brain function.

· Don’t burn! Remember to pack and USE sunscreen. Apply it frequently, and reapply after swimming.

· Cooling centers: people in need of heat relief are encouraged to visit 211info.org or to call 211 for the locations of cooling centers in your area. Other places to get out of the heat include Portland Parks & Recreation Community Centers, libraries, shopping malls,and nonprofit organizations.

· Our H20 is NOT too low: The Portland Water Bureau assures us that our City’s current water use is normal for this time of year. The Bull Run reservoirs have plenty of water to meet the higher summer demand that comes with hot weather. Anyone with questions can call the Portland Water Bureau Water Line at 503-823-7525.

KEEP COOL IN A PP&R POOL

PP&R pools offer open play swims, water exercise classes, junior lifeguard training, junior swim training, summer swim teams, and special events. Free swims are offered through August 25, at pools across Portland, though during the heat wave, there may be a wait time at various pools due to high demand. For more information on how to register for swimming lessons or participate in other summer activities, contact the pool in your area or the Aquatics Administration Office at 503-823-5130.

Portland Parks & Recreation's splash pads and fountains around the city are open to help you stay cool! Cool off through the end of September. Splash pad hours are 11 am to 9 pm; fountain hours mirror park hours. What’s the difference? Fountains have chlorination and recirculate water; while water in splash pads drains away – like running through the sprinklers. Our list is also available online at portlandoregon.gov/parks/splash in English, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Somali, and Vietnamese.

FOUNTAINS YOU CAN PLAY INNote: Fountains are great for playing in, but the water is not for drinking! Like a swimming pool, fountains recirculate treated water. Please help us keep the fountains clean for all to enjoy.